Multi-talented filmmaker and actress MAISIE WILLIAMS wears many hats. In her latest, she channels Jordan Mooney, a role not for the faint of heart. Effervescent and insightful, MAISIE describes diving into the punk queen’s character, immersing herself into an art movement edging towards liberation. If anyone can rise to the brightest limelight and remain as perceptive and grounded as can be, it’s MAISIE. Tune in and listen to she and Arman discuss the music that shapes her life, draws her into the delicate mental realms of acting, echoing like an extension of her own brain.

TREMAINE EMORY makes every word count. Bringing to life the joys of ‘getting in your feelings’ to some Miles Davis at 2AM with a burger at Bistro NYC, ARMAN and EMORY's shared love of local NYC haunts, dancing to James Brown, Michael Jackson, & Prince will pull you right in. A true polymath at heart, EMORY’S use of iconography to raise social awareness of systematic racism is just one thread of his extraordinary ability to tap into the positive aspects of the wild world of Instagram and the Internet. Not without awareness of the digital world’s downsides, EMORY mentions that he sees the internet as ‘the largest double edged sword in the history of humanity.’ Alongside anecdotes on love, obliterating the boundaries of genre, Frank Ocean’s impeccable writing style, and describing the sound of his alter ego: DENIM TEARS, EMORY shares music that shaped him. As 1/3 of the enigmatic trio, No Vacancy Inn, Emory recalls one of their many infamous gigs through his earnest yet deliberate artistry of storytelling. Reminding listeners that the three most important things for creativity are interconnected: "self-confidence, self love, and not seeking validation from outside things,” Emory signs off with his undeniable and understated cool.

No time is wasted in this episode. MAGNETIC Marina Abramović describes the act of reminiscing on the past as comparable to “reading old newspaper.” Nonetheless, Abramović brings new color to sharing a few moments in which music shaped her life. 

Recalling being brought to tears at the age of 14 by the sound of Maria Callas’ voice pouring out of her grandmother’s Bakelite radio, Abramović nearly implodes with passion while expressing the source of her inspiration to breathe new life into opera. From Chavela Vargas' powerhouse vocals in the middle of Paloma Negra, to Juliette Greco’s raspy conviction, Abramović reveals a tapestry of strong willed women inspire her work. Emphasizing her vulnerability as a force both equal and opposite to stubbornness, she describes a dynamic integral to both her work and way of life. Following steadfast in her belief that “people react only when they see real emotion, not fake,” love and courage are a common thread though her personality, work, and music tastes. Opening her heart to the public is no magic spell casting for fame - it’s her completely genuine way of giving out what the world needs most. Envisioning the future of art as nothing other than a pure transmission of energy between viewer and artist, Abramović radiates brilliance, self-possession, and comes across as a living example of why we should all live life with the courage to continue falling in love again, and again. There are no limitations, no barriers, and no ‘no’’s in her way. Switching off her mic, she says goodbye to Arman, and goes back to work.

DAVID LACHAPELLE'S unmistakable charisma transports us to sunny Los Angeles. LACHAPELLE takes Arman on a crash course through his experiences of regularly attending Studio54 at the age of 14, fueling his spirit through dancing, faith in himself, love, and God. DAVID discusses Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, recounting the first time he met Tupac Shakur, also revealing the Life Lessons learned from his friend Andy Warhol. Much like one of his photographs, in this episode, every detail counts. Describing the feeling of stepping out onto the New York City streets with your clothing freezing to your body after sweating the night away with Ru Paul at The Pyramid. Listeners: lean in, get ready to be moved.

Radical Optimism kicks off SEASON 2 with none other than THEE Pop Star giving Disco life, DUA LIPA. Over Zoom, Arman dials Dua — sitting at the Chateau with a green juice in hand — the two have a laugh, talk about music's transcendent power to break language barriers, and what it was like to call her upon her idols and create the anthems of Future Nostalgia soundtracking our states of self-isolation WHILE topping the Billboard Charts and becoming the most streamed album in history. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that it takes strength to be optimistic and fully present: Dua's Future Nostalgia serves as a testament to our collective need for more positivity — through the lens of an intergenerational dance party, of course.

WOLFGANG TILLMANS and ARMAN NAFÉEI sit down in his studio in Berlin - full of plants, printers, photographs and warmth. This journey through TILLMANS’ mind is one to enjoy - taking us from his first purchase of a $20 flash gun camera, to playing an unreleased track live on the show, and discussing the COVID vs HIV crisis, and shared yearning for the return of nightlife and human connection. TILLMANS is as prolific, perceptive and evolved as ever.

Almost exactly a year since his set at the Hollywood Palladium, we’ve tapped-in with the illustrious techno powerhouse RICHIE HAWTIN for a candid fireside chat on everything—from COVID's effects on the live music industry, to the lasting impact of the "Motor City" on his life and career. In this interview, HAWTIN situates his own work between the hypnotism of acid tracks and the futurism felt within Detroit Techno, noting the love of the 303’s raw simplicity and finding the similar feeling within a track by The Rah Band in his youth. Bonus: Can you guess his second-ever concert experience? Well, it’s none other than the late, great Prince.

With Colette at 20 and three years since it closed the boutique’s influence over the aesthetics of thee retail shopping experience remains unparalleled. Once noted as Karl Lagerfeld’s only go-to Parisian shoppe, the successful formula predates the contemporary “brand-activation,” simply based on the deeply personal connection with just about every “product” in-store. In this episode, SARAH ANDELMAN talks about her own musical history—forever reflected within Colette’s iconic compilations—plus her most recent obsession with Khruangbin and Olympic films on Criterion. Creative Directors: take note!

After being active almost two decades, THE KILLS’ catalogue remains rightfully cemented within our rock ’n’ roll memory In this episode, VV and HOTEL are on the eve of releasing Little Bastards, a collection of B-Sides and Rarities, so it’s only right that we discuss the records that influenced their blissfully hypnotic sound. From the allure of Punk and skateboarding culture to The Neptunes “brutal” drum machines on Clipse’s Hell Hath No Fury, the duo talk about the legacy of Gary’s Bar and Trash in London, the fresh feeling of gigging across America, and embracing the limitations of your equipment.